Growth of an Era
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Mining towns sprang up along the banks of the New River when, in 1873, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway created a pathway for transportation through the region. Thurmond, Kaymoor, Nuttallburg, Fayette, and other communities formed due to the unique relationship between the coal industry and the railroad.
An era of intense growth began with coal and lumber shipments out of the region to industrial and shipbuilding centers. For the first time, amenities from the outside world became available to residents of the gorge. Life bustled in the towns for over 60 years and the coal industry remained strong through World War II.
The decline came with rapidly changing mining technology, alternative fuel options, and changing transportation patterns. The shift from steam to diesel-powered locomotives ultimately dealt the final blow and most mining towns were abandoned by the 1960s.
How has the town you grew up in changed
since you were a child?
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 38° 4.183′ N, 81° 4.7′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is on Fayette Station Road (County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Layers of History (a few steps from this marker); The Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanning the Gorge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); New River Gorge Bridge (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Coal Mining to Rock Climbing (about 600 feet away); Smoke, Coke, Coal, and Kaymoor (about 600 feet away); New River Gorge Scenic Drives (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fayetteville.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 20, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
